Arsenal, BSA’s top U14 boys’ team won the premier Columbia Fall Classic Tournament in Maryland over the weekend of November 14th & 15th

Four games were played against increasingly competitive Maryland teams. On Saturday morning the boys did not play their best but beat out Greater Severna 2-0. In the afternoon Arsenal jumped into a 2-0 lead after two goals by Zach in the first 5 minutes but Calverton Barza kept playing hard and managed to tie the score at 3-3 before Josh netted his second to win it the last 5 minutes.

That win put Arsenal into the semifinal against Bethesda Revolution on Sunday. The boys were tremendous in this game, never giving up by coming back from 0-1, 1-2 and 2-3 deficits to win 5-3 - including a spectacular cross/shot 4th goal by Jake.

The final was played under lights against a very strong Upper 90 Soccer Academy. Both teams had several chances in a very entertaining game of great soccer. An incredible display of acrobatic goalkeeping from Amit forced the 0-0 game to PKs. Gareth, Jair and Josh scored their PK attempts to go with two great saves from Amit to make it 3-2 after 4 rounds. Then Eric stepped up and pounded it in to win the tournament!

Coach Tim Kassel said afterwards “All the boys contributed to the success – Danny, Eric, Casey and Keith were solid at the back. Our midfielders were tireless with Zach, Robert, Sean, Andy, Jake, Matt and Jared giving 100%. Josh, Jair, Gareth and Anthony up front were constantly threatening to score and of course Amit was the hero at the end.”

Thanks go to Allison and Jackie for the hotel and social events management